Jonas is a bright friendly guy who is full of ambition and positivity. Jonas has cerebral palsy (new window), but that hasn’t held him back from pursuing his dream of obtaining employment.

He originally met with Charles Lavassseur, Assistive Technology Specialist at the Neil Squire Society‘s Moncton, New Brunswick office, to sort out his computer access needs. Jonas wanted to find a job that would meet the needs of his disability. Jonas lives in Nova Scotia, so Charles referred Jonas to the Virtual Employ-Ability Program.

After completing the initial intake, he was quickly connected with Anu Pala, Virtual Facilitator (new window) and Career Coach (new window). Anu worked with Jonas in Moodle (new window), an online curriculum platform. They also met weekly for one-on-one distance coaching. Jonas took advantage of the online self-assessments which helped him realize the skills, abilities and values that he could offer employers. Exercises, focused on writing positive success stories based on personal and professional experiences, helped prepare him for behavioral based interviews. “He is very proactive and has a glass half full attitude,” says Anu.

Jonas also took advantage of the weekly online webinars which touched on a number of topics related to success in the work place, including effective communication, assertiveness, goal setting and stress management. Anu provided a combination of career and life coaching (new window) which he found very helpful as he had the opportunity to discuss other aspects of his life that affected his readiness for employment and future success.

As a result of Jonas’ hard work, determination and commitment to the program, he was able to secure a temporary return to work position with Central Highlands Association for the Disabled (new window) as a dispatcher (new window) for their transportation department as well as a seasonal position as a student travel counselor with the Nova Scotia Tourism Department (new window). These positions are an important step on his Action Plan for Employment, as he can gain workplace skills and current experience.

“I found it helpful to participate via distance,” says Jonas, “because it allowed me to learn at my own pace and addressed my learning style. I feel that distance learning is a great way to help people with different learning styles.”

We wish Jonas much success as he moves forward in his career!

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